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Emeril’s Delmonico Peach Salad

Bourbon, bacon, and peaches star in this beautiful first course salad from Emeril's Delmonico in New Orleans.

Prep Time:15 minutes

Total Time:30 minutes

Yield: 4 first-course servings

Ingredients

6 slices thick-cut bacon

2 tablespoons bourbon

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

8 ounces arugula

3 tablespoons Steen’s Cane Vinaigrette, or more to taste

2 ripe peaches, halved, pitted, and sliced

4 ounces ricotta salata cheese (crumbled by hand)

1/2 cup toasted pecans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the bacon on a parchment lined baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes

Meanwhile, combine the bourbon and brown sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Once the bacon is starting to brown, baste the slices with the bourbon glaze and continue to cook until bacon is crisp and caramelized, 5 to 7 minutes longer.

Remove from the oven and transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly, then cut the bacon into pieces 3 or 4 inches long.

Season the arugula lightly with salt and pepper and toss with enough of the vinaigrette to coat.

Divide the arugula evenly among 4 salad plates. Arrange the sliced peaches and bacon over the top of the salads, alternating slices of peaches and pieces of bacon in a shingled line over the arugula. Top with the crumbed ricotta salata and the toasted pecans. Serve drizzled with extra vinaigrette if desired.